News Updates

CMAP to help municipalities advance resilient, safer, and more accessible community plans through technical assistance 

Thirty communities across northeastern Illinois — from big to small — are getting a boost to invest in local plans for safer streets, stronger infrastructure, and more inclusive growth.

With help from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) through its annual technical assistance program, municipalities will advance projects that support Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, bicycle and pedestrian safety, capital improvements, transportation safety, and other local priorities. CMAP’s support helps communities build capacity, plan strategically, and access funding to turn ideas into action.

CMAP Board Chair and Palos Hills Mayor, Gerald Bennett, said, “Technical assistance empowers and strengthens local communities. Stronger communities mean a stronger region. I consistently hear from other mayors about the value this brings to build local capacity and overcome challenges. Since the program’s inception, we’ve supported more than 300 local projects.”

Selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 80 applications submitted by 72 communities, this year’s projects represent a wide range of community sizes, goals, and planning needs. The volume of applications demonstrates the great need for planning support across the region. Each selected project also aligns with the principles of CMAP’s ON TO 2050 regional plan: resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment.

“Our region’s communities are leading the charge on making communities and transportation infrastructure safer, more accessible, and more resilient,” said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman. “These projects reflect what’s possible when local vision and regional expertise come together.”

Since its launch in 2012, CMAP’s technical assistance program has supported more than 300 planning efforts throughout the region. These projects help communities identify solutions, leverage resources, and advance plans that contribute to a stronger, more connected northeastern Illinois.

The 2025 projects were selected following a joint call with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). While CMAP and the RTA operate separate assistance programs, their coordinated outreach allows for a streamlined application process and broader regional reach. The RTA has completed its project selection for its Community Planning program.